In Gabon, as in many other African countries, many young people are victims of violence, addiction,
school dropout, and social exclusion. If they are not helped, they can become a major source of risk for society but above all a significant loss of opportunities for the country’s development.
Fortunately, not all young people in difficulty are left to fend for themselves; there are people who help these young people to integrate and make a positive contribution to society.
In Gabon, one of these people is Zita Oligui Nguema, now first lady to the new president of Gabon, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema. Her mission is represented by the Ma Bannière (My Flag) Foundation, which she founded and directs, and whose name is inspired by a verse from the Book of Numbers in the Bible: “The Israelites shall camp each in his own camp, each by his own flag” (Num 1:52).
Archbishop Giovanni Luca of Sabourg, who has always been sensitive to issues related to young people in developing countries, did not hesitate to meet with Gabon’s First Lady Zita Oligui Nguema at the Presidency of the Republic of Gabon on May 6. The Abbot of Sabourg, in his capacity as Grand Master of the Equestrian Order of St. Martin in Charity, offered his full support to the Foundation, considering it crucial for the growth of Gabon and a place where the spirit of charity, practiced in an exemplary manner by the First Lady of Gabon and her collaborators, can grow and expand to help all young people who suffer from the evils and injustices of our society.
These are the words of the Grand Master on the subject: “Unfortunately, evil takes pleasure in those who have no opportunities because they cannot escape it and, without finding new paths, will continue to serve it in its decline. Thanks to Madame Oligui Nguema, the young people of Gabon can hope that evil will not prevail over their lives, and that even if their lives did not start off well, this will instead be a reason to regenerate themselves and make a positive contribution to the lives of others.”
